Ghana: Ghana's 24-Hour Economy can boost productivity, jobs and exports, but its success will depend on strong infrastructure, private-sector leadership and effective implementation, Prof. Anthony Amoah has said. For the initiative to succeed, Prof. Amoah, an Applied Economist at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya, urged the government to strengthen institutional, infrastructural and policy foundations to ensure the success of the country's flagship 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme.
According to Ghana News Agency, Prof. Amoah, who is also Dean of the School of Sustainable Development at UESD, said that although the initiative announced under the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review, represented one of Ghana's boldest economic transformation strategies in decades, its success would depend on effective implementation rather than extended working hours. In an assessment of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, he stated that a well-implemented 24-hour economy could increase productivity, create decent jobs, expand exports, improve industrial competitiveness and accelerate economic growth.
He emphasized that experiences from countries including China, Vietnam, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia and sectors of the United Arab Emirates, showed that continuous production systems performed best when supported by reliable infrastructure, efficient logistics and strong export markets. 'The real strength of a 24-hour economy lies not in extending working hours alone, but in maximising the utilisation of capital, infrastructure and labour while ensuring that goods reach both domestic and international markets efficiently,' he said.
Prof. Amoah noted that the 24-Hour Economy Authority Act, 2026 (Act 1164), had established the legal framework for implementation. He highlighted that the government reported 268 fuel stations, 11 bulk oil depots, two oil refineries, 33 manufacturing firms and 12 public institutions had already adopted multi-shift operations. Additionally, a pipeline of more than US$11.5 billion in prospective investments had been announced, with US$5.5 billion secured through Joint Development Agreements to support industrialisation and exports.
However, Prof. Amoah cautioned that a successful 24-hour economy required an enabling ecosystem supported by reliable electricity, efficient transport systems, seamless logistics, accessible financing, adequate security, clear labour regulations and sustained demand. He observed that despite improvements in Ghana's macroeconomic environment, fiscal space remained constrained due to the government's fiscal consolidation programme, limiting resources available for critical infrastructure investments.
He expressed concern over Ghana's narrow export base, noting that although the country recorded a strong trade surplus in 2025 and the first half of 2026, performance remained heavily dependent on gold exports. Prof. Amoah called for greater investment in manufacturing, agro-processing and value-added industries to diversify exports and reduce dependence on primary commodities. He warned that small and medium-sized enterprises faced high production costs, expensive credit, limited access to long-term finance and infrastructure challenges.
Prof. Amoah stressed the importance of labour market preparedness, stating that multi-shift operations required skilled workers, effective occupational safety standards, reliable nighttime transport, and fair compensation for employees working outside conventional hours. He welcomed the government's decision to integrate the Accelerated Export Development Programme with the 24-Hour Economy, describing it as strategically important since increased production must be matched by expanded export opportunities.
He recommended that the export strategy prioritise agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles and garments, automotive components, digital services, processed minerals and other products with strong demand, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area. He suggested that the 24-Hour Economy be regarded primarily as an industrial development strategy rather than solely an employment programme, proposing a pilot approach before nationwide implementation.
Prof. Amoah urged the government to allow the private sector to lead implementation while focusing on enabling infrastructure, affordable financing, stronger labour protections, and continuous performance monitoring. The long-term success of the initiative should be measured by its ability to improve productivity, create quality jobs, expand exports, attract investment, and raise living standards, he said. 'The 24-hour economy can become a powerful engine of inclusive growth if implemented with careful sequencing, adequate infrastructure, strong private-sector participation and continuous policy learning,' Prof. Amoah stated. 'Without these foundations, the initiative risks becoming an expensive slogan rather than a lasting structural reform,' he concluded.